Senator Culver E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • Updates on Bloomsburg and Mount Carmel District Offices
  • Mobile Food Pantry to Serve Local Communities in August
  • 2025 Senior Expo – September 12 at Knoebels
  • Announcement: Retired Vehicle Registration Fee Now $12
  • Come See Us on Tuesday at National Night Out Events
  • Senate Acts to Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects
  • Legislation to Make PA Leader in Drone Research Approved by Senate
  • Children in Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock
  • Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace
  • Sunday Hunting Days Set for 2025

Updates on Bloomsburg and Mount Carmel District Offices

Changes are underway with two of my district office locations with the goal being to better serve the residents of the 27th Senatorial District.

The Bloomsburg District Office has officially moved to the Mulberry Mill Building at 160 W. 6th Street (First Floor). This new, more accessible location allows us to be surrounded by community partners and continue providing the services you rely on. In-person appointments will resume starting Wednesday, August 6, following the installation of our phone and internet service.

The Mount Carmel District Office will be temporarily closed for renovations until at least mid-August. During this period, we will still be answering all phone calls and assisting constituents with any state-related questions or needs.

Even while renovations are underway, my team is ready to help with:

  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications
  • PennDOT services
  • State forms and certifications
  • Citations and recognitions for special occasions
  • Assistance with state programs and benefits

We appreciate your patience and support during this transition, and we look forward to welcoming you to our new and refreshed offices soon.

Mobile Food Pantry to Serve Local Communities in August

Ensuring that residents have access to healthy and nutritious food is an ongoing priority in our region. The Mobile Food Pantry provides a convenient way for families and individuals to receive fresh food and pantry staples in their own communities.

Throughout the month of August, the Mobile Food Pantry will make the following stops in our area:

  • Coal Township – Welsh Center
    Wednesday, August 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    1 N. Locust St., Coal Township, PA 17866
  • Berwick – Ber-Vaughn Park
    Wednesday, August 20 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    6084 Park Rd., Berwick, PA 18603
  • Danville – Danville Area Community Center
    Wednesday, August 27 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    1041 Liberty St., Danville, PA 17821
  • Watsontown – Warrior Run Fire Department
    Wednesday, August 27 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    1125 Main St., Watsontown, PA 17777

The Mobile Food Pantry program, supported by Central Susquehanna Opportunities, brings essential resources directly to the communities that need them most.

For more information about this program, including future schedules, visit Central Susquehanna Opportunities – Food.

2025 Senior Expo – September 12 at Knoebels

I am excited to invite you to our annual Senior Expo, hosted with Representative Joanne Stehr, on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Knoebels Amusement Resort, Pavilion U in Elysburg.

This free event is a wonderful opportunity for seniors and their families to connect with local organizations, learn about available services, and enjoy a community-focused day.

This year’s expo will feature:

  • Exhibitors from government agencies and senior-focused organizations
  • Health screenings and informational resources
  • Door prizes and giveaways
  • Lunch served throughout the expo

Admission is free, but we ask attendees to register in advance for the complimentary lunch.

I hope you will join us for this year’s Senior Expo and take advantage of the valuable information, services, and community connections available at this event.

Announcement: Retired Vehicle Registration Fee Now $12

Pennsylvania’s reduced vehicle registration fee for retirees is now $12 per year. This is a $1 increase from the previous $11 fee we highlighted in our physical newsletter mailed out in June.

It is important to note that this program is not just for seniors. All retirees who meet the eligibility requirements can benefit from this reduced fee.

Eligibility Requirements for the $12 Retired Status Vehicle Registration

To qualify, you must:

  • Be retired from your principal occupation and receiving Social Security, SSI, or other pension/annuity income
    • Part-time work is allowed if you are retired from your main job
  • Have a total gross annual income of $29,906 or less, including:
    • Wages
    • Business or rental income
    • Unemployment compensation
    • Public assistance
    • Dividends and capital gains
    • Cash gifts
    • Note: Veteran benefits to surviving spouses are not counted as income
  • Be listed as an owner on the vehicle registration and the principal driver (unless physically or mentally unable to operate the vehicle)
  • Be registering a passenger car or light truck with a registered gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less

How to Apply

  • Complete Form MV371, “Application for Retired Person’s Processing Fee of a Vehicle Registration”
  • Submit it with your registration renewal or through PennDOT’s online system for retired registration status
  • Include a $12 payment (cash or money order) to the PA Department of Transportation

More details and forms are available on PennDOT’s website here, or by contacting my district offices for assistance.

Come See Us on Tuesday at National Night Out Events

National Night Out takes place on Tuesday, August 5. This annual community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, helping to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.

Across the country, neighborhoods will host block parties, festivals, cookouts, and other community events with safety demonstrations and activities for all ages. It is a great opportunity to meet your local police officers and first responders, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the spirit of community.

In the 27th Senatorial District, the following National Night Out events are planned and will be attended by my office:

  • Wright Township – 5:30pm-8:30pm – Wright Township Municipal Building, 321 South Mountain Blvd, Mountain Top, PA 18707
  • Watsontown – 6:00-8:00pm – Warrior Run Area Fire Department, 1125 Main St, Watsontown, PA 17777
  • McClure – 5:30pm-8:00pm – McClure Station Park, 24 W. Railroad St, McClure, PA 17841
  • Sunbury – 5:00pm-8:00pm – Sunbury Skating Rink, 249 Memorial Dr, Sunbury, PA 17801
  • Elysburg – 6:00pm-8:00pm – All Home Days Grounds, 33 East Center Street, Elysburg, PA 17824
  • Bloomsburg – 5:00pm-8:00pm – Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 900 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
  • Riverside – 6:00pm-8:00pm – Southside Fire Company Carnival Grounds, 270 Avenue Drive, Riverside, PA 18810

National Night Out is a wonderful way to strengthen community relationships, enjoy family-friendly fun, and show support for the local men and women who work to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Senate Acts to Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects

The Senate recently approved legislation to provide state funding for local bridge projects, giving counties the flexibility needed to make essential repairs to municipal bridges.

Currently, state Motor License Fund dollars can be used to build and repair county bridges. However, spending guidance fails to address if funding can be used for municipal bridges located within a county.

As a result, municipal bridges often go without repair while bridge funding goes unused due to ambiguous guidance. Senate Bill 205 would give counties the flexibility they need to fund local bridge projects. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Legislation to Make PA Leader in Drone Research Approved by Senate

Legislation to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in the emerging drone industry was approved by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 468 permits the state Department of Transportation, with the governor’s approval, to engage in agreements with other states to facilitate the research and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones.

An interstate compact would make Pennsylvania a key player in UAS testing, training and education, helping to ensure public safety, expand aviation jobs and inspire business development across the commonwealth.

Children in Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock

In 2024, 39 children died of heatstroke in vehicles – up 35% from 2023. Most of these deaths are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car.

  • Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time. Rolling windows down or parking in the shade does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle.
  • Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle – especially the back seat – before locking the doors and walking away.
  • Store car keys and fobs out of a child’s reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.

More information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is available here.

Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace 

Transactions through social media platforms have limited consumer protections compared to traditional business dealings, and scams happen.

In a recent case, a Fayette County family was scammed with fake cash when selling a floor buffer on Facebook Marketplace. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself with Facebook Marketplace, such as checking the seller’s Marketplace profile to learn more about them, using online payment methods and verifying the item before paying. Check out more tips here.

Sunday Hunting Days Set for 2025

Sunday hunting days for 2025 have been set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Beginning Sept. 14, and through the second Sunday in firearms deer season Dec. 7, all Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons will be included as part of those seasons and open to hunting.

Migratory game bird seasons are the lone exception. No Sundays will be added to the 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons because those seasons are set through federal frameworks and adding any Sundays at this time would result in a loss of hunting days in 2025-26. You can find more details here.

divider

For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here.

Facebook Instagram Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorculver.com | Privacy Policy